They are hired by builders who take care of all the facilities listed above. Agriculture machinery companies also hire agricultural engineers who help them use new machines for agricultural purposes. Others who hire agricultural engineers are manufacturers of irrigation and drainage system, federal research agencies, state research agencies, local research agencies, regulatory and education agencies, manufactures of measuring and control systems, consultants, utility agencies, alternate fuel producing companies, equipment manufacturers, agrochemical companies, government departments, forestry companies, overseas development agencies, and educational institutions.
They also have an opportunity to work as a lecturer, as inexperienced people need help in creating future agricultural engineers. They may work in laboratories, workshops, or offices where they can create new products for the company. Their main responsibility is to perform research.
To be an agricultural engineer one must have an inclination towards solving complex problems. They should also be able to design new products and solutions. They have to be intellect to remember all principles in the field of chemical and physical science. To be an agricultural engineer the subjects that must be studied are math, physics, chemistry, communications, computer science, and economics. In the field of science, certain subjects are compulsory, which are heat flow, environmental engineering, water movement, fluid mechanics, instrumentation, controls, and properties of agricultural materials, engineering analysis, and engineering design.
For getting the necessary training and development after joining as an agricultural engineer, a degree has to be obtained through graduate apprenticeship. Another opportunity available with applicants is to be a member of the reputed institute famously known as Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IagrE). This institute helps continual improvement and development of agricultural engineers. This will also help in maintaining a proper career path. Or you can also apply to Chartered Environmentalist position, which has recognition with the Society of Environment.
The career opportunities are high for an agricultural engineer as companies always want those people who can increase their productivity. With the help of agricultural engineers, companies can increase their output of goods and services. New technologies can improve their production process and warehousing activities. They need more engineers for using equipments like biosensors to analyze the optimal treatments for crops. The demand for agricultural engineers is growing since companies have realized a need to put in fewer resources to yield higher returns. The average salary is nearly $40,000 for an agricultural engineer who can develop new machines. The income is even higher for experienced personnel.
